Sahamalaza Sportive Lemur, Lepilemur sahamalazensis

The Sahamalaza sportive lemur (Lepilemur sahamalazensis) is native to the island of Madagascar, where its range is limited to the Sahamalaza Peninsula found in northwestern Madagascar. Because this area is a converging point for two types of habitats, including arid deciduous forests, this lemur resides in both primary and secondary forests.

The Sahamalaza sportive lemur is a newly discovered species, along with 14 other members in the Lepilemur genus. Because of this, its taxonomic status has not yet been defined. Despite the lack of information on its population numbers and range, it is thought that the Sahamalaza sportive lemur could be considered “endangered” in the future.

It has been found that much of the Sahamalaza sportive lemur’s range occurs in a protected area. However, habitat destruction that occurred before this area was listed as protected has damaged the lemur’s viable habitat. Hunting is also thought to be a threat, but more information is needed before any major threats can be confirmed. The Sahamalaza sportive lemur appears on the IUCN Red List with a conservation status of “Data Deficient”.